Thursday, February 25, 2010

If Social Media Consultant isn't listed on your LinkedIn, like it is on mine, you probably won't find this nearly as funny. Let's just say that there were tears running off my face and into my coffee while watching.

Ladies and Gentlemen - you are looking at my new Spring/Summer carry all! The only question now is, will this fit my laptop? Since I remote office from home most days it would be highly unlikely to find me not lugging my "mobile-office" with me just about everywhere I go. Needless to say I'm doing some serious wear and tear on my hand bag fleet - From here on out I won't be spending money on a bag that can't handle the load. I'm praying this passes the test!

Since I'm a small Manhattan studio down payment away from being able to afford the solid gold Cartier Roadster I really want, this is just going to have to do.Michael Kors Gold Midsized Cushion Watch $250

Monday, February 22, 2010

Thursday night I will be attending the Vanity Fair / USA party - in honor of the event I choose Vanity Fairest by Essie for this week's MANICure Monday. I'm a firm believer that Essie may just have a color for everyone one of my life's occasions - no matter how specific the party. Sorry there is nothing fun about this image - just one of those days...

Friday, February 19, 2010

I've spent so much time this week talking about next Fall's trends that I almost completely forgot that we still have Spring and Summer to look forward to! I was on Theory.com doing a little digital window shopping (btw - obsessed with everything about this look) and came across this checklist for all Spring and Summer'smust have tops. I think this is such a great idea - take inventory of what you own and budget from there.

Today I was featured *on the cover* of my home town's news paper, The New Canaan News. I am beyond flattered to have Kiss and Type be considered newsworthy, let alone front page worthy!

Here is my favorite quote from the article:

"I'm just really happy and flattered to have my voice carry some weight," Van Buren said. "I'm not an expert on anything; I'm just saying what every other 20-something girl is thinking. All I can do is share my experiences and it's great that people are listening and coming back. ... If I can monetize this and make this my life, I'll be the luckiest girl in the world as far as I'm concerned."

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

I should have mentioned this earlier, but due to this past week being Fashion Week there hasn't been much content up on Kiss and Type! I am covering Fashion Week for a much larger *top secret* just about to launch online publication. Can't say anymore now, other than I'm very honored and excited! If you haven't been following me on twitter you are really missing out! Be sure to check for tweats and even some twitpics!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

"Whether or not the picture above is printed, framed, and sitting handsomely on my bedside table is regardless, because Tuesday night, Cork'd, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Donelan Family Wines treated us to a fantastically impressive array of wines at the Roger Smith Hotel. One of which, was a barrel sample of their 2008 Walker Vine Hill Vineyard Syrah of which the only other person who had had the pleasure of tasting prior to us, was Mr. Robert Parker Jr. Yep. Kind of a big deal. Which in turn, means that I can now consider myself a pretty big deal in the wine world.Or, something like that..."

This morning while driving over the Saugatuck bridge my boyfriend looked over at me and said, "Wanna put the boat in the water today?" Even though he was kidding of course (it might be sunny but there is still close to a foot of snow on the ground) it was my sentiments exactly. Summer can't come soon enough, and since said season is still months away thoughts of me wearing this belt on the dock are going to have to do. I'm not crazy about the way Anthropologie has it shown with here, but imagine it with a solid strapless dress and a pair of cute sandals or Sperry's. If you aren't into strapless it would be perfect on this.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

This is my new favorite site. I found this music blog when a friend tweated about it (the power of social media at its best people) and have been obsessed ever since. Left as Rain is the perfect alternative to Pandora while you're at work. I love this site because in addition to giving a quick commentary they also stream the song. Killer site design and I have yet to hear a song I didn't like. Score another point for twitter.

Today Non-Society announced their fourth contributor, Katrina Szish. She doesn't have enough content for me to tell if I'm going to follow her as often as I do Jordan Reid or Julia Allison, but I'm always willing to see what others are offering to share. One of Szish's focuses is fashion so with Fashion Week starting tomorrow I'm sure we will all have our verdict of her in no time.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

I didn't take much away from my 3 year stint at Arizona State University except for a love of the hotel industry. While in Scottsdale I spent almost all my time at boutique hotels; Whether working at them or staying at them - my life revolved around the hotel industry. One of my favorite experiences was working at the James Hotel, owned by New York based company BR Guest. (Of course I found the only New York owned and operated establishment in the desert.) You will recognize BR Guest from their restaurants in the city; Dos Caminos, Blue Fin, and Vento- just to name a few.

Now Stephen Hanson, founder of BR Guest, is giving boutique hotels another try with The Postcard Inn in St.Pete, Florida. Hanson has partnered with Barry Sternlicht, CEO of Starwood Capital Group, for the boutique hotel they are calling "Howard Johnson meets JetBlue". But the Postcard Inn is more than just another one of Hanson's trendy destinations - with this project he is attracting the masses with the very very low room rate. July - December (Off Season) $99 and January - June (Season) $189, making The Postcard Inn the perfect weekend getaway for all East-Coasters. From what I've read about The Postcard Inn I get the feeling it is what would happen if Montauk's East Deck and The Surf Lodge were to have a love child - otherwise known as my dream come true.

Tonight I'm attending a very intimate wine tasting with the social media king himself, Gary Vaynerchuk. My knowledge of wine can be found somewhere between very little - none at all, that is why I'm very pleased to be attending on the arm of Eat & Greet blogger Kiira Leess. The night won't just be about wine though; We've all been asked to bring our laptops for a little social media fun. Full report to come tomorrow (probably aggregated from Kiira)! Counting down the minutes till we get to CRUSH IT!

I had two very special guest tonight for MANICure Monday! Nutritionist Ashley B. Christie and my little brother, rock-star in training, Liam! On my nails is Angora Cardi by Essie, on Ashley's My Way by Essie, and on Liam... his awesome new helicopter gloves!

Thank you so much for everyone who wrote in with suggestions! Keep them coming - and if you have your own MANICure Monday pictures send them this way and I will put them up on K&T!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Last night I attended the "Women in Social Media" panel discussion. Out of all the events this week I was most looking forward to hearing these women speak. Especially Jordan Reid, of life blogging platform Non-Society, and Alexa Hirschfeld, founder of Paperless Post. All of Social Media Week has been so inspiring, but something about hearing intelligent, articulate women discuss the topic I'm most passionate about really makes me feel that I'm apart of something great. In addition to being able to hear these panelist speak, I actually had the opportunity to meet Jordan Reid*. Imagine my surprise when I went to get my daily dose of Domestic Bliss and saw a picture (blurry picture, but a picture) of me with Jordan Reid! I was beyond flattered. If you are reading this because you've been directed here by Non-Society - Welcome, I love having you! Thanks again to Jordan for wanting to be apart of a much larger conversation.

*Full disclosure : This was kinda a huge deal for me. I follow the women of Non-Society daily. When people ask me what I aspire to be the next sentence out of my mouth is always, "Do you know who Julia Allison is?"

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

I was recently interviewed by a member of the Associated Press after being ask to read a social media case study published by the Pew Research Center. It was based on the social media patterns of young adults between the ages of 12-29. A lot of the trends I could have predicted, but some really took me by surprise - Like the fact that people with smart phones are accessing the Internet as much from their hand held devices as they do from their lap-top/desktop. Kinda crazy right? Makes someone who is considering re-designing her site (hint. hint.) want to focus on the way that it will read on a smart phone, just as much and if not more, than someone viewing on a full screen.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Back in November I made the decision that I needed a Burberry Trench. Scott Schuman made it look so effortlessly classic and just about perfect for every one of Spring's dewy morning's. Somehow I haven't been able to scrounge together the $2K - weird, right? I've been scouring e-bay and vintage stores and haven't found anything. As much as I'm not a settler this Banana Republic Trench is exactly what I'm looking for and costs close to what I'd be paying in sales tax on the Burberry Trench.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Recently I feel like every time I open a magazine there is a mention of Gina Carney and RGB Cosmetics. RGB was founded on a line of 10 simple colors, since then they have begun launching a new color every season. Spring's must have color is Toast, but each of the 17 shades are incredible.

Each polish is sold seperately for $14 + There is currently complimentary shipping on all polishes!